If you’re wearing braces, you might wonder, “Can I still enjoy candy?” The good news is, yes, you can! But choosing the right types of candy is key to avoiding damage to your braces and ensuring your orthodontic treatment goes smoothly.
When it comes to braces-friendly candy, soft options are your best bet. Think about treats that melt in your mouth and don’t contain nuts or caramel. For instance, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and 3 Musketeers are great choices. These candies are gentle on your braces and less likely to cause issues.
Chocolate-covered goodies like marshmallows and wafers also make the list. They’re soft and won’t harm your brackets. Plus, non-sticky options like York Peppermint Patties and Sweet Tarts are excellent for satisfying your sweet tooth without any hassle.
Candies To Avoid With Braces
While there are plenty of candy options you can enjoy with braces, there are some you should steer clear of to avoid damaging your orthodontic work. Here’s what to avoid:
Sticky Candies: Candies like taffy, caramels, Starbursts, Skittles, Tootsie Rolls, and Milk Duds are sticky and can get stuck around your braces. This can cause your brackets to loosen or even pull them off. Sticky candies also increase the risk of tooth decay, as they are hard to clean from around the braces.
Hard Candies: Jolly Ranchers, lollipops, and butterscotch are examples of hard candies that can cause serious damage. Biting down on hard candies can break brackets or wires, which means more trips to the orthodontist for repairs.
Chewy and Gummy Candies: Jelly beans, Gummy Bears, and Swedish Fish are chewy and can get lodged in your braces. They are also high in sugar, which contributes to cavities and gum disease.
Chocolate with Nuts or Caramel: Snickers and Mounds contain nuts and caramel that can be hard on your braces. The nuts can break brackets, and the caramel can get stuck in your braces, making it difficult to clean.
Popcorn and Crunchy Chips: Popcorn, including popcorn balls, and crunchy chips like Doritos are too hard and can break your braces. Popcorn kernels can get stuck between your braces and teeth, leading to possible damage.
Gum and Sour Candies: Gum and sour candies are both risky. Gum can get stuck in braces, while sour candies are often too acidic, which can damage your teeth and gums.
Risks Of Eating Unsafe Candies
Eating the wrong candies with braces can lead to several issues. Understanding these risks can help you make better choices.
Bracket and Wire Damage: : Hard and sticky candies can break or loosen brackets and wires. This can delay your treatment and result in additional orthodontic visits for repairs.
Cavities and Decalcification: Excessive sugar from unhealthy candies can cause cavities. Moreover, sugar left around the braces can lead to white spots on your teeth, known as decalcification, which are difficult to treat.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces. Proper care helps prevent issues caused by candy and keeps your treatment on track.
Brushing: Brush your teeth thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste after eating any candy. This helps remove sugar and prevents plaque buildup around your braces.
Limit Sugar Intake: Reduce your overall sugar intake to avoid cavities and gum disease. Eating candy in moderation and choosing braces-friendly options will help maintain oral health.
How To Enjoy Candies Safely
You don’t have to give up candy entirely. Follow these tips to enjoy treats while keeping your braces safe.
Choose Soft Candies: Opt for candies that are soft and melt in your mouth. These are less likely to damage your braces.
Break Larger Candies: If you have a large candy bar, break it into smaller pieces. This reduces the risk of damaging your braces.
What To Do If Braces Get Damaged
If you experience any issues with your braces, such as broken brackets or wires, it’s essential to address them quickly.
Contact Your Orthodontist: If a bracket or wire breaks or comes loose, call your orthodontist as soon as possible. Timely repairs are crucial to prevent delays in your treatment.
Schedule Repairs: Make an appointment with your orthodontist to fix any damage. This helps keep your treatment on track and avoids additional complications.
Alternative Treats
There are plenty of alternative treats that are safe for braces. Consider these options to satisfy your sweet tooth without risking damage to your braces.
Soft Snacks: Try soft snacks like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt. These are gentle on your braces and won’t cause damage.
Ice Cream: Ice cream is a great treat that’s easy on your braces. Choose options without hard or sticky mix-ins.
Conclusion
Enjoying candy with braces doesn’t have to be a challenge. By making smart choices and being mindful of what you eat, you can satisfy your sweet tooth without risking damage to your orthodontic work. Stick to soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats like chocolate and peanut butter cups, and avoid sticky, hard, or chewy candies that can harm your braces.
